Franchise buys family-run Baugher Motors

Less than a week after the sale, employees answered the phone in a York County car dealership office Tuesday with a "Thank you for calling Blaise Alexander, formerly Baugher Motors."

The Jefferson Borough dealership was sold to the Blaise Alexander franchise March 27, said founder Blaise Alexander.

Baugher Motors was founded in 1924 and has been family-run for three generations, said former owner Cindy Baugher.

Baugher, who was nearing retirement, said she saw the car sales industry was in an upswing and made the decision to sell.

"Dealerships are in demand and in five years they may not be," she said. "I had a great opportunity with Blaise Alexander because they are family-oriented and that's important."

Baugher grew up at the York County business that was previously owned by her grandfather and then father, she said. She recalled riding a little pedal truck around the dealership as a child while her family did business.

"I could cry at times because it's just a part of me," Baugher said. "But it was the right time."

The industry is trending toward larger dealerships owning at least five locations and moving away from single-location dealerships, which have been popular over the past century, Baugher said.

Alexander, who currently operates another 13 locations, said Baugher Motors will remain at its Berlin Street location for at least a year.

Baugher will remain manager at the dealership to help in the transition, he said.

"Right now there are no changes being made to employment," Alexander said. "All the same people will still be there."

Baugher's 88-year-old mother will remain in her part-time position as secretary for the dealership, Baugher said.